General requirements for family reunification
In order to meet all the requirements for family reunification, both the person in Germany and the person abroad must fulfill certain conditions:
Person in Germany | Person abroad |
|---|---|
Valid Residence permit authorizing family reunification
| A1 language skills (if necessary)
|
Health insurance cover for you and your family (at the latest when you apply for a residence permit)
| Passport/passport replacement
|
Declaration of commitment (if necessary and required by the embassy)
| Proof of family relationship
|
Marriage certificate (for spouses)
| |
Proof of livelihood (if required)
| |
Proof of sufficient living space (if required) | |
Proof of German citizenship (if necessary)
|
Family reunification with Settlement permit: Requirements
The requirements for family reunification with a Settlement permit are easier to fulfill than with other residence permits. The reason for this is that this Residence permit is unlimited and therefore your long-term prospects in Germany are clear. In addition, if you have a Settlement permit , you have already been in Germany for at least 3-5 years - longer than with temporary residence permits.
If you have a Settlement permit and would like to bring a family member to Germany, it is very important that that the family relationship can be can be proven. Proof of accommodation and means of subsistence is no longer required with a Settlement permit in accordance with Section 29 (2) AufenthG if a spouse or minor children join you.
Family reunification for refugees: Requirements
Refugees can also apply for family reunification. The requirements for family reunification for refugees look like this:
- Proof of the family connection: Marriage certificate (if the spouse moves in), birth certificate
- Proof of hardship for reunification with parents (Example: parents must be cared for and care is not possible in the home country, other example: parents joining a minor child in Germany).
- At the latest 3 months after the positive asylum decision, a timely notification to the responsible Foreigners' office .
- Proof of custody (for child reunification)
With the refugee status in accordance with § 25 Para. 2 Alt 1 AufenthG the proof of means of subsistence and proof of accommodation are no longer required.
Family reunification in Germany: requirements for reunification
The requirements for family reunification in Germany for your family member abroad depend largely on which Residence permit you hold yourself. If you have a Residence permit with refugee status, a Settlement permit or a Residence permit with a skilled worker background, proof of the family connection is sufficient.
If you are entitled to subsidiary protection, a maximum of 1,000 family reunifications per month will be approved in Germany. If you are among these 1,000 cases, the following apply to you simplified conditionsYour livelihood does not have to be secured, you do not have to provide proof of accommodation and no A1 language level is required for spouse reunification. If you are not among these 1,000 cases, your family cannot join you this month.
If you are not among the 1,000 cases per month for which family reunification with beneficiaries of subsidiary protection works, it does not mean that you will never be able to apply again! It is possible to submit an application at another time and perhaps you will then be among the 1,000 applications for which reunification is possible!
Family reunification with German citizens
Reunification with German citizens is regulated in § 28 AufenthG is laid down. The requirements for family reunification with German citizens are as follows:
- Proof of marriage (marriage or birth certificate)
- In the case of parents of a German minor, the family (parents and child) must be present.
- Language certificates of the spouse joining you (except for exceptions such as no available courses in the home country and one year of unsuccessful efforts)
- Age of majority of both spouses at the time of marriage
- Proof of passport
- Proof of custody (if the minor child is traveling alone)
In principle, the Family reunification with German citizens is easier than for foreigners. Apart from proof of family ties, passport and language skills (for spouses), no other proof is required.
Conclusion: Family reunification requirements at a glance
The conditions for family reunification depend on the Residence permit of the person living in Germany. While refugees and Settlement permit holders do not need to provide some proof, other groups must meet stricter requirements. It is particularly important that applications are submitted on time, as delays can make reunification more difficult. A precise understanding of the legal requirements helps to ensure that the process runs smoothly.
FAQ - Frequently asked questions about requirements for family reunification
The application for family reunification is submitted to the German embassy in the home country with the application for the national D visa for family reunification. The processing takes the Federal Foreign Office according to several months.
As a general rule language skills at A1 level must be proven for spouse reunification. An exception to this is when applying for family reunification with refugee status, as a skilled worker or with a Settlement permit and permanent EU residence.
No. Not every residence permit allows you to apply for family reunification. It is important that you check carefully whether family reunification is possible with your Residence permit .
If there is a separation or divorce, § 31 AufenthG is decisive. If the marriage lasted 3 years in Germanya Residence permit will be issued for you as a foreigner moving to Germany. In certain cases (domestic violence), the Residence permit can also be issued if the marriage has lasted less than 3 years in Germany. If your spouse dies, the marriage does not have to have lasted 3 years for you to receive your own Residence permit .
The application for family reunification is processed by the German embassy in your home country and by the Foreigners' office in Germany. The German embassy in your country of origin will make the final decision on the granting of the visa for family reunification.
